Piper ready to serve as Canterbury first selectman

Piper, who will be sworn in as the town’s first selectman today, has lived in town for 30 years and said all he wants to do is what’s right for the people of Canterbury.

And while he doesn’t have a political background — this is the first time he’d been elected to public office — his reputation as a community activist precedes him.

VFW Post 10688 Commander Bill D’Appollonio said Piper has demonstrated his leadership skills at the post, where he is senior vice commander.

“He’s a personable guy and when he says he’s going to do something he’s pretty much right there,” D’Appollonio said. “He’s a doer.”

What’s more, Piper knows a little something about running a show.

Between 1968 and 1991, Piper was enlisted in the U.S. Navy, retiring after 23 years having received 13 promotions as a lieutenant.

Piper said if he had the chance tomorrow to get back on a submarine he wouldn’t think twice.

But on land, Piper has a wife of 30 years, two grown sons and two grandchildren of whom he says are the reason he gets up in the morning.

“God, family, and community,” Piper said. “In that order.”

After retiring from the military, Piper worked for seven years making training products on the submarine base in Groton. Later he worked for the state Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security as a regional coordinator overseeing efforts in 43 towns — one of five in the state.

Before making the decision to run for first selectman, Piper stayed active in town as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for 14 years and a member of the volunteer fire department. He is also on the parish council at Saint Augustine Church in Canterbury.

One of this goals as first selectman is to get more people involved, especially, he said, the seniors.

“We have a lot of talent out there and we just need to bring it to the table,” Piper said.

Among the ideas Piper has for the community is to pursue a national recognition captured this year by Colchester for its budgetary development process.

“I want to bring those ideas here,” he said.

He also wants to help further one of the Economic Development Commission’s goals of establishing a networking system within the business sector modeling after the Plainfield Pride concept that enjoys much success.

His first priority, however, is the budget and making sure it’s as much a community generated document as it can be. Piper said he plans to set up a committee of six, including representatives of the senior center, town employees and emergency personnel, and someone from the business community. That way, he said, people from all facets of the community will have a hand in developing, and thereby understanding, the town’s budget.

“I want to meet the needs of the town based on the input of the people.” Piper said.

Born and raised in Austin, Texas Piper has come to call Canterbury home. He feels he’s proven his commitment to the community by his involvement. As his interest in and love for Canterbury grew, Piper said running for first selectman just made sense.

“It just seemed like a natural progression,” he said.

He took a little time off after he retired from the state and then made the decision to run.

“I decided after many years of coaxing … to throw my hat in the ring.”

Piper had the unanimous endorsement of the Republican Town Committee.

Neil Dupont, a fellow member of the Republican Town Committee and former first selectman, said Piper is the “perfect guy for the job” because he’s honest and diplomatic.

“You may not like what he says, but he’s always going to tell you the truth,” Dupont said. “He can talk to people without getting them upset.”

Piper describes himself as a “down to earth” guy with honest intentions.

“I just want to do for the town what the town’s people need,” he said. “I may not agree but at least I’ll listen … and we’ll share ideas.”

Piper says he wants to give back to the community, and he means it.

“I want to walk the walk, not just talk the talk.”

Dupont said he thinks it’s the right time for Roy.

I think Canterbury needs him and I think he will accomplish what everybody expects of him,” Dupont said.